| abstract |
In one form, an expandable implant configured for positioning between one or more adjacent bones or bony portions, such as vertebrae of the spinal column for example, is provided. In one aspect, the implant includes a plurality of deformable members that is each positionable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration in response to axial compression of the deformable members. In the unexpanded configuration, each of the deformable members engages with one or more immediately adjacent deformable members, while in the expanded configuration each of the deformable members further engages with one or more additional deformable members positioned on the other side of the one or more immediately adjacent deformable members. In another form, a method for positioning an expandable implant in a minimally invasive approach is provided. However, in other embodiments, different forms and applications are envisioned. |